affected households would then have to pay $3700 more in taxes this year. cutting this deadline close has practically become an annual holiday tradition for congress the past few years. 'back in 2010, they passed the amt patch on christmas eve. in 2008/2009, they actually passed it in january and set it retroactively. uncertainty surrounding the amt has the internal revenue service on its toes. the tax agency has warned congress that if no new policy is passed, the irs will need to reprogram its computers, forcing a delay in filings and tax refunds until march of 2013. president obama and members of congress are set to return for one day more of talks to avert spending cuts at the same time tax cuts expire. one alternative being floated - congress may let income taxes go up on everyone one tick past the stroke of midnight, then quickly vote to decrease tax rates for most americans back to 2012 levels. meanwhile, starbucks ceo howard schultz wants his employees to send a message and scrall, "come together," on cups for drink orders in the d.c. area. it's the